Ightham
Ride Level: Red - Challenging
Gravel/CX MTB | GPX Route | Traffic-free | Natural, Gravel and Single Track | 35 km/22 miles
A remarkable tough little ride along the Greensand Ridge in Kent, passing the stunning Knole House and the romantic Ightham Mote, on some great gravel paths. Warning, the route includes some tough old climbs, so don't under estimate it.
Any questions? Contact me
Ride Description
Starting at Sevenoaks Station (4 trains and hour from London) and climbs through Sevenoaks centre to Knole Park.
Ride past the splendid Jacobean Knole House through the deer park to join the network paths through the woods to Ightham Mote house, a fairly decent coffee stop attached to a romantic medieval moated manor house.
Carry on past on the well made gravel, across a busy road and up the drive of Fairlawne house, before re-joining the bridleway, sneak a peek over the hedge at the Japanese Garden.
Ride through Plaxtol which I thought was something you rubbed on an Old Soar, the name of the next village - don't ya just love the names.
There's a technical climb up into Mereworth Woods which are full of lovely flowing bridleways. Come out out of the wood and join a narrow bridleway towards Ightham Village.
Its a steep old climb to the top of Oldbury before you cross the A25 to climb again to Seal Chart.
From Seal you join the road back to Sevenoaks Station
Start and End Points
Start/Finish: Sevenoaks Railway Station
Ride Details
- Distance: 35 km | 22 miles
- Climb: 640 m | 2900 ft
- Percentage off-road: 60%
- Trail surface: Natural | Gravel | Cycle Paths | Single Track
- Technical Grade: Red - Challenging in places
- Mudometer - Moderate, some mud in the woods.
Places to Visit
1.5 miles: Knole House
5 miles: Ightham Mote
8 miles: Old Soar Manor
Places to Eat
15 miles: The George & Dragon
Is this ride for me?
Ideal for riders with decent off-road experience and reasonable fitness.
Is my bike OK for this ride?
The route is best completed on the gravel/CX bike or a mountain bike.